Herbin
Blue Myosotis, Black, Grey, Rose, Vert Reseda, Poussiere de Lune, Cafe de Iles, Bert Pre, Blue Nuit, Orange Indien. Violette Pensee, Bleu Azur, Rouge Caroubier, Blue Pervenche, Olive Green, Buttercup Yellow
Herbin, a company in Paris that dates back to 1670. Ink production commenced 1700.
Today, the company is part of the Clairefontaine, the stationery company in France and the inks are manufactured in France.
The first Herbin ink, called La Perle des Encres (the jewel of inks), was soon followed by L’Encre Des Vaisseaux (the ink of ships) -- the traditional French violet has been used by student in France.
Fountain pen users would buy what is known as the "D" bottles. A classic bottle that has been around for a long time. The "D" stands for a French unit of measure, “la Demi Courtine”. Now a 40 ml bottle.
There is quite the collection of colours, and these are not all of them! Herbin ink is available through a variety of locations in North America. Herbin has more than fountain pen ink. Some specialty inks are for dip pens. Do not use in a fountain pen.
The fountain pen ink is available in 17 beautiful colors. There are even more colours in cartridge (universal style). Some of the colours I have found to be too delicate -- I tend to lean towards bold vibrant colour of ink, as with a broad or stub nib strong colours look best.
- Blue Nuit - P. Johnson provides her review of that colour: "Drab ultramarine with dull purple overtones. Looks like faded watercolor when dry."
Reviews from others are that it is a very good brand of ink that flows reliably with a great colour selection. About those colours:
- Rouge Fuchsia/Opera - a true dark red, not a ruby or Bordeaux, and is virtually identical in color to the Omas Amerigo Vespucci. The Opera is the scented version. This color is to be distinguished from Herbin's attempt at regular red -- Rouge Caroubier -- which, unfortunately, is a washed-out red like those from so many other brands of ink.
- Rose Cyclamen - an almost fluorescent purplish pink, and is a very noticeable color. It also tends to spread more than other colors on paper. A unique color.
- Orange Indien - pretty good orange, a bit darker than Omas Triratna.
In 2010, to celebrate the 340th anniversary of the company, Herbin issued a special dark red ink in a new 50 ml bottle. The ink is a dark red with earthy tones.
